Technician (Biomolecular science)

Job Summary: The Post holder will be responsible for working in partnership with the

team leader to support academic staff and other technical staff in the

delivery of teaching and other learning activities within the faculty of

science. This role is lab based in the faculty of science to support

Pharmacy and Biomolecular Science teaching activities., A student facing senior technical role within the faculty of science to facilitate the running of

laboratory-based teaching activities., * To provide high quality technical support to the Faculty of Science teaching

laboratories as directed by the Team Leader.

• Supervise and support technical staff within area of expertise to facilitate the

development of staff.

• Proactively help staff and students on a day -to-day basis in the effective operation of

the teaching and project laboratories.

• Assist with the associated administration including asset management, record

maintenance, ordering and stock controls. Ensuring that proper financial procedures

are followed to support the director of school with academic budgets in the absence of

the team leader.

• Working in partnership with academic and other technical staff to support the school’s

objectives relating to learning and teaching.

• Assist academic staff and team leader in preparing teaching laboratory timetables,

proactively resolving issues, and keeping record of resource available., * Attend and contribute to staff meetings, reporting to the team leader on activities taking

place in area of management and specialism.

• Contribute to a supportive working environment and develop productive working

relationships with other team members.

• Establishing and maintaining effective and proactive communication and working

arrangements between academic staff and technical staff to ensure that requirements

and expectations on the technical service are understood and implemented.

• Preparing reports for senior managers on equipment use, laboratory use, budgetary

updates, etc.

Technical Activities:

• Provide technical support and knowledge in a broad range of techniques including

Microbiology, Cell culture, Histology, Biochemistry, Forensics and Molecular Biology.

Including specialised knowledge in a range of laboratory equipment such as

Autoclaves, Flow cabinets, Incubators, Spectrophotometers, Thermal Cyclers.

• Management and upkeep of designated areas including the setting up, care and

maintenance of laboratories and equipment, and supporting the effective use of these

resources, including routine laboratory cleanliness, equipment testing and calibration,

maintenance, audit and safety checks.

• Coordination of project requests and requirements with academic staff and students to

ensure the smooth operation of the project laboratories.

• Ensuring the availability of technical support and providing support and guidance to

students undertaking activities, projects, etc. in designated technical areas.

• Ensuring the effective supervision of activities being carried out in designated technical

areas, including provision of inductions, refresher training, etc.

• Delivering technical demonstrations, workshops and practical sessions to staff and

students and providing necessary supporting materials and documentation e.g., risk

assessments, standard operating protocols, training materials, etc.

• Taking a pro-active role in the development and implementation of innovative methods

of learning by keeping up to date with the latest developments in the designated

technical area.

• Assist academic and technical staff in the preparation of materials for laboratory

practical classes, including the preparation of materials, calibration and clean down of

equipment and supporting the handover between classes.

• Effectively manage time to ensure preparation of materials for practical classes

covering a broad range of biomolecular and microbiological techniques.

• Provide and attend training on specific equipment and techniques as deemed

necessary by the Technical Team Leader.

Health And Safety:

• Responsible for the proactive management of health and safety in a designated

technical area with flexible usage, disseminating information and reports to staff and

students and ensuring that all operations within technical areas comply with university

health and safety policies, procedures and codes of practice.

• Ensuring that systems for induction, demonstration and training of technical systems,

machinery, equipment and processes are established, carried out and recorded to the

required standards.

• Ensuring the production and timely review of health and safety procedures and

documentation, for example Risk Assessments, COSHH and SOP’s.

• Monitoring of equipment within a designated technical area to ensure they are

maintained as required by any relevant statutory provision, and that staff and students

are suitably informed, instructed, trained, and supervised in their use.

• Ensuring that a high standard of housekeeping is maintained in technical areas

• To be responsible for the setting up, care and maintenance of designated laboratories

and equipment. Reporting on equipment usage in the absence of team leader

• Working with security to ensure that access is controlled and managed within

designated area.

• Responsible for handling and managing waste disposal routes from the project

laboratory.

General Responsibilities:

• Contribute to wider school/university activities e.g., open days, student welcome,

graduation and clearing events.

• Act as an ambassador for the University in all interactions with current and prospective

staff and students, visitors to the University, external partners, media and general

public.

• Promote the University’s values of an inclusive and diverse community.

• Any such duties, commensurate with the grade, level of experience and training, as

deemed necessary by the Teaching Technical Resource Manager as a result of

changing circumstances.

• A commitment to LJMU’s values and regulations and Equality and Diversity Policy.

• Commitment to adhere to and promote the ethos of Respect Always as set out in the

Respect Always Charter.

• Liverpool John Moores University recognises and is aware of its Social, Economic

and Environmental responsibilities; the post holder is required to minimise

environmental impact in the performance of the role and actively contribute to the

delivery of LJMU’s Environment and Sustainability Policy.

• The post-holder’s mandatory Health and Safety responsibilities, which have been

agreed by the University’s Strategic Management Team, are contained in Section 2 of

the University’s Safety Management Code of Practice MCP1 Organisation for the

Implementation of the Health and Safety Policy.

• For some of your activity, from time to time, you may be required to contribute to

externally funded projects such as research or EU projects.

The person specification describes the skills, experience, knowledge and aptitude required

to perform the duties of this post effectively. The criteria order listed should not be taken to

imply their relative importance. Both paid and unpaid experience may be relevant., Degree or equivalent experience in relevant Science subject (For A &

example microbiology, biology, or biochemistry) plus proven track Certificates

record of extensive relevant work experience

Experience

Experience working in a laboratory or technical environment, with I & A

good working knowledge of lab practices

Familiar with COSHH, Risk assessments and Standard operating I & A

procedures and use in Laboratories

Background in handling hazardous materials and training in relevant I & A

H&S procedures

Experience of working in higher education laboratory environment I & A

Skills

Good communication skills at all levels including written, oral I & A

IT literate with experience of Microsoft Office Suite A

Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise work I

Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team I & A

Can demonstrate practical skills and translate knowledge to others I

Self-motivated to work independently I

Specialised Knowledge

Versed in Health and Safety legislation and its implementation in a I & A

practical environment.

Knowledge of a broad range of biological and biochemical techniques I & A

Work Experience in Microbiology plus two or more of the following: I & A

Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Histology or Cell Culture.

Experienced in aseptic techniques, related to Microbiology and Cell I & A

Culture.

Personal Attributes

Helpful, friendly, approachable, enthusiastic, and energetic. I

Good interpersonal skills. I

Willingness to undertake personal development relevant to the role. I & A

Interest in Science and Education. I & A

Able to work flexibly to meet the requirements of the role. I & A, Post-Graduate qualification in a relevant Science subject (for example A &

microbiology, biology, or biochemistry). Certificates

Proven laboratory-based work experience. I & A

NEBOSH Health and Safety at Work Award A

Experience

Management and planning of activities within a laboratory setting. I & A

Experience in the ordering of consumable items and stock I & A

management.

Training others in scientific techniques. I & A

Experience in management of laboratory space and implementing I & A

safe working practices.

Financial benefits: Competitive salaries based on a low contractual 35 hour working week.

17.5% employer contributions to pensions for non-academic staff enrolled into Local

Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).

28.68% employer contribution to pensions for teaching staff enrolled into the Teachers’

Pension Scheme (TPS).

Work life balance: Excellent annual leave provision.

30 days for support staff and 35 days for staff and senior managers grade 8 and above.

8 UK bank holidays and up to 5 University closure days between Christmas and New Year.

Family friendly policies and a range of benefits to support including job-shares, flexible

working hours and part-time roles where possible.

Health and wellbeing: Regular wellbeing support initiatives throughout the year.

Access to a trained counsellor via Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

Plus a programme of activities and range of support and resources to help look after your

mental and physical wellbeing.

Career Benefits: Continuous development opportunities to enhance your knowledge and

meet your career ambitions, including LinkedIn Learning.

Making a difference: LJMU Climate Action – be at the forefront of initiatives to tackle climate

change.

Share experiences and challenge unfair practices with our Diversity and Inclusion Staff

Networks.

Opportunity to volunteer at graduation ceremonies, clearing and open days.

Discounts and other benefits: A reward and benefits platform, giving savings on day-today

purchases across a range of retail outlets.

Interest free loans repayable across twelve monthly instalments, including loans for annual

travel season tickets and cycle to work scheme.

Massively discounted gym and fitness classes at the University Sport Building.